Meet Efra铆n Villa, the Winner of 午夜影院鈥檚 Student Signage Contest
When 午夜影院鈥檚 Marketing and Communications Office announced it was hosting a design contest for a signage installation, Efra铆n Villa figured he鈥檇 toss his hat in the ring. Now, his original design has been installed on Main Campus for thousands of students, faculty, and staff to enjoy.
鈥淚t鈥檚 really cool to know that my design has been installed in such a prominent place for so many to see,鈥� he says. 鈥淭his is the biggest piece of work I鈥檝e ever designed from scratch, and I鈥檓 excited that it will be a part of 午夜影院 for quite some time.鈥�
The design contest took place last fall as a way to beautify Main Campus and showcase the work of a talented 午夜影院 student artist. Efra铆n was one of dozens of students who submitted a design that needed to represent 午夜影院 and the community in a bold and inspiring way. All the designs were reviewed by a selection committee and one was selected.
Efra铆n's winning design incorporated several unique elements, including the Albuquerque skyline, quotes that coincide with each of 午夜影院's Core Values, and illustrations of native plant life.
Colton Davies, Interim Director of Brand Strategy for the 午夜影院 Marketing and Communications Office and a member of the selection committee, said the combination of these New Mexican and 午夜影院-focused elements hit all the right notes.
鈥淭he artwork selection committee, which was comprised of 午夜影院 leaders from across the college, debated over dozens of outstanding student submissions before reaching a consensus on Efra铆n's piece,鈥� Colton says. 鈥淗is synthesis of a personal passion with iconic Albuquerque views and an overarching theme of academic achievement is the perfect addition to the campus landscape.鈥�
Along with having his design installed on Main Campus, Efra铆n received a $1,000 scholarship from the 午夜影院 Foundation. Two runners up also each received a $500 scholarship.
Moving forward, Efra铆n plans to keep taking 午夜影院 art and design classes, running his crisis communications firm, and pursuing his acting career. He鈥檚 also grateful to have had the opportunity to leave his mark on 午夜影院 through art.
鈥淚 enjoyed the whole process of this competition and exploring what it means to be a student and what it means to be New Mexican,鈥� he says. 鈥淚t was such a fun puzzle to solve, especially through art, and I鈥檓 proud of the story I was able to tell through my work.鈥�
Stay tuned for more information about the signage unveiling celebration happening during the Summer 2025 term!